Abilene

Before my wife and I saw this movie, I read the review in the Austin Chronicle. As a result, I expected a pretty, but very slow - and probably boring - movie. However, I went because Abilene was being shown as a fundraiser for a local non-profit organization. It was a Good Cause.

Boy, were we surprised. Abilene is a gem. Perhaps even flawless. It's both lush and lean. Yes, the photography is gorgeous, but the characters are equally well-crafted. Every one of them is real and interesting. The dialogue is excellent, with no unnecessary verbiage. The relationships are authentic. The script is intelligent and has depth. Ernest Borgnine is at the top of his form, as is Kim Hunter. In fact, the entire cast was outstanding.

We liked this movie. A lot. And, of course, we cried.

Abilene is a heart-warming tale. It was refreshing to see this type and quality of a movie in this day and age. It proves that violence, sex, and foul language are not essential elements for an enjoyable show.

All of the actors and actress' did a fine job of portraying realistic people in small town America. This is an age group that needs to be addressed more often. Everybody knows about the "graying of America," however a large majority of the films are geared towards teenagers. Camp and crew did a good job of making this enjoyable for not only seniors, but all ages.

The storyline is humorous, sad, and sweet. The camera captures the beautiful vast landscape of Texas. The costumes were great, the music was an asset.

I hope that all will be able to sit back and watch this good ol'fashioned film, soon.

This was a great movie with beautiful landscapes. Joe Camp did a tremendous job of capturing the everyday life in a small texas town. although somewhat sad the story was very touching and at times very funny. The acting was very good Kim Hunter and Ernest Borginines roles were terrific. The story begins when Ernest Borgnines character (Hotis) learns of his brother's (Jarvis) sudden illness and attempts to travel to see him. however he is too proud to get a ride from someone else and comes up with a humorous way of getting there. The movie is filled with wonderful shots of the texas countryside and although a sad story it leaves you with a happy ending.

"Abilene" is a moving portrait of the lives of two souls in the winter of their lives and the people who surround them. A slice of village life in the heart of America, the film undulates beautifully through their story, capturing those moments in their lives that will always be etched in the stone of their memories; a coffee cup rattling the moment Emmeline's husband's heart fails, a look, a gesture. Cinematically these moments unfold in a graceful movement of stunning tableaus. I will remember "Abilene" for some time.

I usually don't sit still for movies like this. My date wanted to see the movie so we did. At the SXSW festival. I still think about that movie a month after I saw it. The movie seems to be slow paced, but in a way its not. It makes you think, fast and a lot. About growing old, whats really important in life, and about not being too full of pride. My date cried, I almost did. I hope the movie gets into theaters. It's important.